Browse Publications Technical Papers 902220
1990-10-01

Onboard Computers are a Safe Bet 902220

The business of hauling freight for profit is not easy. To be competitive, fleets must operate at low cost and provide excellent service. The truck manager is also responsible for safety on the highways and must comply with all legal requirements.
An onboard computer can help a fleet obtain better fuel economy, increase productivity, reduce maintenance costs and improve safety practices. The payback period for a properly used management information onboard computer is about nine months.
On the basis of improvement in safety alone, an onboard computer is an indispensable device. Today's society demands that all responsible businesses do everything reasonable to promote safety. An onboard computer represents a technology that is available now; it is a vital management tool for getting at the root of safety problems. Used properly, it can provide the control necessary to ensure safety and prevent damage to property.
ALL FLEETS, WHETHER THEY are in the business of distributing groceries to stores, transporting crude petroleum to refineries, carrying hazardous material to factories, or dumping refuse at landfills, have one business in common -- the business of hauling freight for profit.
In the process of conducting that business, the fleet management is surrounded with a multitude of issues such as high fuel costs, paperwork overload and maintenance expenses as well as compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, safety enhancements, combating delays and improving productivity.
Onboard computers can help management deal with these issues. Their utility can be more clearly understood by analyzing a trucking operation in four categories: vehicle performance, productivity, paperwork and safety.
Some fleets also employ sophisticated truck-to-home office communication systems to improve their effectiveness. Onboard computers are well positioned to integrate with these technologies. They will continue to play an important role in the intelligent vehicle highway system of the future.

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